Saudi Arabia’s Culture and Information Ministry has approved issuance of licences to firms that are keen to open public cinemas, the Saudi Press Agency said.

The policy to open public cinemas will be implemented by the Directorate General Commission for Audio Visual Media (Gcam), the newly formed regulating body. The ministry approved the issue of cinema licences on 11 December.

Specific regulations supporting the policy are expected to be completed in the first quarter of 2018, following which the directorate can start processing applications for opening public cinemas.

According to the Culture and Information Ministry, the content of shows will be subject to censorship according to media policy standards of the kingdom.

“[Standards] will be in line with values and principles in place and do not contradict with Sharia law and moral values in the kingdom,” the statement said.

The ministry said the goal for the change in policy is to promote cultural and media in the framework of its support for activities and events.

“This step will stimulate growth and economic diversification by developing the economy of the cultural and media sector as a whole, providing job opportunities in new areas for Saudi nationals, and educating and training them to acquire new skills,” it said.

The kingdom expects the cinema sector to contribute up to SR90bn ($24bn) to its annual gross domestic product (GDP), create 30,000 direct and 130,000 indirect jobs by 2030.